Radio&TV Belgrade

If it is clear why editor's posts and high salaries in the Radio&TV Belgrade are reserved for the politically fit, it is hard for any normal person to grasp the fact that oil and sugar can be bought at lower prices depending on political, i.e. union affiliation.

Trying to clear its name after sabotaging the strike announced last March, the "state" union of RTV Belgrade attempted to improve its image by replaying the role it played in the past - providing food and deficit goods for its members. After having wheedled oil and sugar at a favorable price from the Strategic Reserves Directorate (pass word: Mitevic), the Union conditioned the purchase by possession of the union membership card. For those employees without the card and for members of the independent union - nothing!

Such a move has only raised anxiety and justified rumors saying that the recently signed collective contract will apply only to those seen fit, while the members of the independent union will be left without jobs. Officials have not denied this, which, according to the leaders of the independent union, is understandable, since the RTV management has been doing its best to generate a climate of fear and insecurity among its employees.